Podcasting 101

We know you’ve always wanted to, and that you’ve already seen the benefits that podcasting could bring to your personal brand or business, but just how do you get started? 

First things first, what IS podcasting?

A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series.

Podcasting can help…

—increase traffic to your business.

—build more personal relationships with your current customers and new ones. 

—improve your public speaking skills.

—facilitate networking, and community building, and establish you as a thought leader in your industry.

Why is Podcasting so important, and how prevalent is it? 

Now that you understand WHAT podcasting is, how widespread is it, and why is it so important? Here are some stats! 

Right now, there are more than 850,000 active podcasts and more than 30 million podcast episodes.

51% of The U.S. population has listened to a podcast.

32% listen to podcasts monthly.

25-34-year-olds are the most likely to listen to these podcasts.

80% of listeners listen to the entirety of the podcast.

Podcast users listen to an average of 7 new podcasts a week (This could be you!).

94% of these listeners are active on other social media websites compared to 84% of the population.

“But how do I get started?”

If you are feeling overwhelmed or hesitant to start, we understand! You might be wondering if anyone would be interested in anything that you have to say, or not feeling “professional enough.” But getting started is easier than you think, and TRUST us, somebody (and maybe a LOT of people) care about what you have to share. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you be successful, and have fun while doing it! 

Speak about what you are passionate about. 

Use relevant and engaging stories.

Invite guests to partake in your podcast.

Use feedback to better your podcast.

So what now? Here are a few housekeeping tips: 

1) Choose a niche for your podcast.

2) Select a catchy name and add your logo along with a cool design.

3) Decide which platform you want to use (iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Podcast app, among others). 

4) Create a script.

5) Record your podcast! 

6) Edit your podcast.

Need Help? We are podcasting experts! 

Okay, now how do I leverage podcasting and grow my audience? 

Unless you are producing a podcast for your own entertainment, you probably want it to grow, and you want your podcast to help you grow your business in return. So what are some ways you can do that?

Use your established platforms to boost awareness. That’s right, share it on your socials, on your website, email your current clients, and shout it from the rooftops! 

Invite guests on your podcast to bring it to a new market. People love to talk about their passions, their business, and their projects. Don’t be afraid to ask. 

Podcast listeners will be more inclined to follow companies and brands on social media, so make sure that your socials are up to snuff prior to publishing your podcast. 

69% of podcast listeners agreed that podcasts helped in generating awareness about new products and services, so make sure to give the people what they are asking for! 

Be sure to post your podcast at the most opportune times, by doing your research. Different demographics will listen at different times of the day/week. 

Establish followers and then look to get sponsored by businesses who are eager to reach YOUR audience. 

Have a compelling intro to keep listeners engaged. You’ve got to hook them right away, or they may not get that THIS is the podcast for them! 

Wow them with your website. The idea is the drive them back to your website so that they can become a customer of yours! 

Have Fun! This is the most important part! If you aren’t enjoying yourself, your audience won’t enjoy it either, and nobody wins THAT way.

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There you have it. 

The quickest way to get started is to get started! If you need a little (or a LOT!) of help, remember we are podcast experts, and we are here to support you in your podcasting journey. 

It’s time to step up to the mic!

Feeling inspired? Let Peppershock Media help you start your podcast from the ground up.